Carrara Marble vs. Calacatta Marble

October 4, 2018

For homeowners, the two most popular and well-known marbles are Calacatta and Carrara marble. Both offer a timeless and classic look for bathrooms and kitchens, but they also have many differences. Below are some things to consider if you are looking to decide between the two:

The Origin

Both Calacatta and Carrara marble are from Carrara, Italy. Quarried on different parts of the Apuan Mountains, they have been a staple in classical design for centuries adorning many cathedrals and castles all over the world. There are over 200 quarries just for Carrara marble alone.

The Look

Carrara marble tends to have a muddy white base or grayish background with soft veining, while Calacatta has a more pure white background with dramatic darker grey veining. It might be difficult to tell with the untrained eye but once you put them side by side you can definitely tell the difference.

If you are looking for countertops that are not the main focal point for a room, we suggest Carrara marble countertops. If you want to make a statement, then you should consider Calacatta marble. Specifically, if you have a large island in your kitchen.

Carrara is at the top and Calacatta is at the bottom:

The Price Tag

Calacatta is considered the rarer of the two and much more luxurious due to its pure white background. Therefore, it is going to be more expensive than Carrara marble. For many of our customers, Carrara marble is considered a good compromise when on more of a budget. It is still a beautiful choice for a countertop.

The Maintenance

It doesn’t matter if you choose Calacatta or Carrara marble countertops for your home, both will age and etch over time. It is just what marble does. For many homeowners, they do not mind because they feel it adds character.

Basically, it is going to come down to how you want to live on your countertops. If you are fine with a little wear and tear, then marble could be an option. If you want more durability, then you should consider a quartz countertop. There are several options in quartz that mimic the look of both Calacatta and Carrara.